Farm Credit renews support for International Agri-Center Dairy center

TULARE, CALIFORNIA - The Farm Credit institutions recently renewed their support of the International Agri-Center (IAC), home of the world's largest annual farm equipment and agriculture technology exposition - World Ag Expo.

This is the third time The Farm Credit entities have a stepped up to support the IAC. In 2008, the IAC announced the renaming of the Tulare Dairy Center to the Farm Credit Dairy Center.

The 70,000-square-foot dairy center houses hundreds of dairy exhibits during the annual World Ag Expo and is the most highly-trafficked area of the grounds by show attendees. In addition, the Farm Credit Dairy Center is also the home of many other large-scale events that happen on IAC show grounds.

"CoBank and the other participating Farm Credit System institutions have been supporters of the Agri-Center for many years and are pleased to be able to continue our support for the Farm Credit Dairy Center," says Mark Nonnenmacher, Western Regional President, Agribusiness Banking Group of CoBank. "Dairy is an important commodity in California, the nation and the Farm Credit System. We are extremely proud to have the Farm Credit name associated with this showcase for dairy innovation and technology."

Annual support from the Farm Credit institutions allows the International Agri-Center an ability to continue the mission of the organization to encourage agricultural education and community involvement within the industry.

"The Farm Credit Dairy Center is a critical component of the International Agri-Center and one of the largest permanent structures on the grounds," says Jerry Sinift, IAC CEO. "It is the epicenter for dairy innovations at World Ag Expo and the home to many other events throughout the year. Volunteers and staff at the International Agri-Center are very appreciative of Farm Credit's support."

The Farm Credit institutions began in 1916 with an act of Congress in order to ensure that farmers had a reliable source of financing. The Farm Credit System is the single largest lender to agriculture in the U.S. Each Farm Credit institution is independently owned and operated by borrowing stock holders. As was the case in the beginning, agriculture and ag-related industries are Farm Credit's only lending group.

The International Agri-Center is a 501(c) 3 agriculture non-profit organization, formed in 1976 to produce World Ag Expo, California Antique Farm Equipment Show and foster agriculture education and community involvement throughout the Central Valley, California, the Nation and the World.